As the ceasefire in Gaza teeters on the edge of collapse and President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Gaza’s population looms, Arab leaders are moving quickly to draft a comprehensive plan for the region’s future. Their goal? To ensure the Palestinian people stay in Gaza, while sidelining Hamas and empowering a group of technocrats to oversee the rebuilding of this war-torn enclave.
With regional heavyweights, particularly Egypt, leading the charge, Arab nations are pushing forward to create a united stance in response to Trump’s unsettling proposal. The outcome of these discussions could significantly reshape Gaza’s postwar reality. In this article, we dive into the Egyptian-led plan and the critical factors that will determine Gaza’s future.
The Urgency Behind the Plan
The urgency is palpable. After weeks of negotiations, the Arab League summit in Cairo is set to determine a future course of action. Egypt has emerged as the central player, rallying 22 member states to finalise a strategy that ensures the Palestinians’ survival within Gaza while distancing Hamas from governance.
This high-stakes meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended all aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of rejecting a US-backed proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. As the world watches, Arab leaders are scrambling to offer an alternative solution — one that prioritises Palestinian rights and stability in the region, while avoiding the controversial displacement suggested by the Trump administration.
Arab League’s Vision for Gaza: A Three-Phase Reconstruction Plan
In response to Trump’s unsettling proposal — which suggested turning Gaza into a luxury resort and relocating its population — Egypt’s plan is a comprehensive and humane alternative. The vision is to rebuild Gaza without uprooting its people. Here’s how the plan unfolds:
Phase 1: Immediate Reconstruction Efforts (6 Months)
- Debris Clearance: The first step will focus on removing the vast amount of rubble left by Israeli airstrikes, which destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure. According to the United Nations, an estimated 50 million metric tons of debris will need to be cleared.
- Restoring Basic Services: Once debris is cleared, essential services like water, electricity, and sewage will be restored to allow life to return to normal for Gaza’s displaced population.
- Temporary Housing Solutions: Egyptian companies specialising in mobile homes are prepared to provide temporary housing for displaced Gazans.
Phase 2: Rebuilding Critical Infrastructure
- Schools and Hospitals: The focus will shift to repairing and rebuilding critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and other community services. This phase aims to restore the daily functioning of Gaza and set the stage for long-term recovery.
- Economic Revitalisation: Efforts will also be directed towards providing support to businesses and small industries, allowing the local economy to regain some semblance of normalcy.
Phase 3: Full-Scale Reconstruction
- Neighborhood Reconstruction: The final phase involves rebuilding entire neighborhoods, homes, and businesses to allow Gazans to return to their homes in a rebuilt Gaza.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Efforts will be made to ensure that Gaza doesn’t just recover but thrives, focusing on creating an environment conducive to long-term peace and stability.
A Technocratic Committee for Governance
At the heart of Egypt’s proposal is the establishment of a technocratic committee to manage the reconstruction and governance of Gaza during the rebuilding phases. This committee would be composed of independent figures who could work impartially to ensure that the process is transparent, efficient, and free from the influence of Hamas.
Importantly, this committee would operate under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority, thereby addressing the longstanding political rift between Gaza and the West Bank. This step is seen as crucial for achieving political unity among Palestinians, which has been fragmented since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.
The Challenge of Sidelining Hamas
While the Arab states are united in their determination to prevent Hamas from returning to power, the question of Hamas’ future remains one of the thorniest issues of all. The Egyptian-led plan proposes that Hamas be disarmed and its members exiled or disbanded.
However, this creates tension within the Arab world. While Qatar has supported Hamas in the past, other key states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have taken a firm stance against Islamist groups. This divide adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations, especially when it comes to dealing with Hamas militants and their supporters.
One proposal to address this is for Egyptian security forces to help train a new Palestinian police force that can secure Gaza without Hamas. While this plan has been met with some resistance, it presents an alternative to the chaos of a Hamas-led Gaza.
The Road Ahead: Getting Israel and the US on Board
Despite the ambitious plans being laid out by the Arab League, the biggest hurdle remains convincing Israel and the United States to support the Egyptian-led initiative. While Arab states are united in their stance against Trump’s proposal, Israel’s primary goal is the eradication of Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence on not ending the war until Hamas is completely dismantled adds uncertainty to the future of Gaza.
Egypt and other Arab states are working behind the scenes to present a unified proposal to the US. There’s potential to combine both plans — the development of Gaza into a regional hub, alongside maintaining Palestinian sovereignty — but making this case will require substantial diplomatic efforts.
The Bigger Picture: Palestinian Statehood and Regional Stability
At its core, the proposed Egyptian plan is about more than rebuilding Gaza. It’s about ensuring Palestinian statehood and securing a future of peace and stability for the entire Middle East. If successful, this initiative could address not only Gaza’s immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for a broader peace process that addresses the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
But time is of the essence. The ceasefire is fragile, and without urgent action, the region risks descending further into conflict.
Conclusion: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the need for a robust, viable plan is critical. Egypt’s proposal to rebuild Gaza without displacing its population offers a ray of hope, but its success depends on international support and internal Palestinian unity. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious plan can overcome the many obstacles that lie ahead.
Gaza’s future is at a crossroads, and only time will tell whether the efforts of Arab leaders will lead to lasting peace and prosperity for the region.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Egyptian Government’s Reconstruction Plan
- Hamas and its Role in Gaza
- The Palestinian Authority and Gaza
- Israel’s Political Goals in Gaza
- The US and Middle East Peace Plans
Photo credit: Anadolu Ajans
